Racism -- not what the doctor ordered
A review of 37 studies found evidence of racist beliefs and practices among healthcare providers, including negative perceptions of black patients' intelligence and compliance with medical advice.
Racial Discrimination
Articles tagged with Racial Discrimination
Discrimination associated with mental health woes in black teens
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that African-American and Afro-Caribbean youth face racial discrimination, which is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and social phobias. The study found that experiences with discrimination were linked to higher rates of mental health problems in both...
Thoughtful people more likely to infer improvements in race relations
New research by Jane L. Risen of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business shows that people are more likely to deny the persistence of racism after being exposed to a successful African American. Thoughtful individuals are particularly vulnerable to making quick inferences about racial disparity.
Study finds experiences of racism associated with weight gain in African American women
A recent analysis found that frequent experiences of racism were associated with a higher risk of obesity among African American women. Women who reported consistently high experiences of racism over a 12-year period were 69% more likely to become obese compared to those in the lowest category.
Scientific racism's long history mandates caution
Anthropologist Nina Jablonski warns of the dangers of using genomic knowledge to separate people based on genetic endowment or physical features, as it can lead to a new form of 'separate but equal.' She advocates for a more nuanced approach that considers human genetic admixture and individual variability.
The content of our cooperation, not the color of our skin
Researchers found that peaceful cooperation triggers the alignment of social categories with coalitional alliances, regardless of race. The study's findings suggest that cognitive systems are specialized for detecting alliances in the social world, but do not necessarily link racial differences to patterns of cooperation and conflict.
UH researcher finds anonymity makes a difference with online comments
A University of Houston study found that anonymous online comments are more likely to be vulgar, racist, or hateful than those posted by non-anonymous users. Non-anonymous commenters were nearly three times as likely to post civil comments following news articles, with only 15% of anonymous commenters exhibiting civil behavior.
Racism may accelerate aging in African-American men
A study found that racism-related factors, including high levels of racial discrimination and anti-Black bias, are associated with accelerated aging in African American men. This is measured by shorter leukocyte telomere length, a biomarker linked to increased risk of premature death and chronic disease.
Perceived discrimination and mistrust in health care lowers patients' quality of life
A new study found that kidney failure patients who experienced discrimination and mistrust in healthcare had poorer quality of life. Patients who reported greater medical mistrust and lower trust in their physicians also showed decreased quality of life.
Racism linked with gun ownership and opposition to gun control in white Americans
A new study published in PLoS One found a strong association between racism and gun ownership among white Americans. The research also revealed that those who oppose gun control tend to have stronger racial biases, are more conservative, and live in southern states.
Racism linked to depression and anxiety in youth
A review of 461 cases found strong associations between racism and detrimental health outcomes such as low self-esteem, reduced resilience, and behaviour problems in children and youth. The study identified an important issue that needs to be addressed in society, schools, and communities to improve child and youth health.
Experiences of racism linked to adult-onset asthma in African-American women
Research from Boston University found that African-American women who reported frequent experiences of racism were more likely to develop adult-onset asthma. The study, which followed 38,142 women over 14 years, also discovered a significant link between increased racism and asthma incidence.
From my living room to yours: Research examines race and social media discussions
A study by Russell Spiker analyzed 23 YouTube videos with over 200 comments each, revealing three major themes: hostility, overt racism, and racial stereotyping. The analysis also found that claims of racism often initiated discussions but didn't characterize them. Hostility was frequent in racially-themed discussions.
Cosmetic surgery to look whiter fails to boost women's self-esteem
A study found that cosmetic surgery for black women in Venezuela temporarily improves their self-esteem, but the procedure is rooted in a culture that values whiteness. The research highlights how aesthetic ideals interact with local ideas about race and marginalization.
The hidden agenda of Obama's opposition
A new study assesses whether racial attitudes contribute to Tea Party membership, finding that both members and non-members are driven by race. The authors conclude that President Obama's presidency triggers symbolic racism and racial stereotypes among the population.
Claims of 'post-racial' society and other denials of racism may reflect ignorance of history
African Americans had more accurate knowledge of historically documented racism compared to European Americans. This difference in historical knowledge partially accounted for group differences in perceptions of racism, both at a systemic and an incident-specific level.
Can instilling racial pride in black teens lead to better educational outcomes?
A University of Pittsburgh study published in Child Development found that African American adolescents with a sense of racial pride tend to have more success in school and are less vulnerable to the effects of racial discrimination. The study suggests that racially conscious parenting strategies can be a key factor in student success.
Rewriting personal history by inventing racist roads not taken
A study by Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management found that people distort their memories and convince themselves they passed up opportunities for racism, even if none existed. This mental trick increases willingness to express less racially sensitive views and feel licensed to behave in questionable ways.
Science of parenting, the link between sexism and racism, death and the supernatural, and more
Research explores how parents pass on values, perceived sexism affects women's attitudes toward racial minorities, and the role of will in past and future success. Additionally, studies investigate the impact of death reminders on supernatural beliefs and brand identification.
The Obamas and the new politics of race
Recent studies investigate the effects of Obama's presidency on racism in US politics, with experts analyzing topics such as citizenship, belonging, and racial identity. The findings suggest that Obama is often viewed as black rather than multiracial, highlighting the persistence of racial schemas in shaping public perceptions.
Soccer study finds 93 percent of fans would support openly gay players
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sociology found that 93% of football fans oppose homophobia and would support openly gay players. The research identifies conservative clubs and agents as major barriers to change in the sport's culture.
Study shows that, in restaurants, race matters
A North Carolina State University study reveals that over one-third of restaurant servers admit to discriminating against African-American customers, with many perceiving black patrons as impolite or poor tippers. The survey found that 38.5% of servers reported varying their service based on customers' race, highlighting the persistenc...
Pride and prejudice: Pride impacts racism and homophobia
A new University of British Columbia study reveals that pride directly influences racist and homophobic attitudes. Authentic pride boosts empathy, while hubristic pride exacerbates prejudice. The findings offer insights into the attitudes of leaders and shed light on human psychology.
Rebuffing racial insults: How culture shapes our behavior
African American women are more likely to directly rebuff racist comments, while Asian American women may use indirect methods like choosing bad-tasting jellybeans as a form of revenge. This difference reflects deeply rooted cultural differences in conflict management and emotional display rules.
Hiding emotions may exacerbate depression among black men who confront racial discrimination
African-American men who believe they should respond to stress with emotional control experience more depression symptoms when confronted with racial discrimination. The study found that traditional role norms can amplify the negative effects of discrimination on mental health.
Discrimination may harm your health, according to new Rice study
A new study by Rice sociologists finds that racial discrimination is associated with higher levels of emotional upset and physical symptoms among black adults (18%), compared to white adults (4%). The research highlights the need to acknowledge and study the impact of discriminatory behavior on long-term health outcomes.
Perceived racism may impact black Americans' mental health
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that perceived racism can cause mental health symptoms similar to trauma in black Americans. Researchers analyzed 66 studies and found a robust link between racism experiences and self-reported depression and anxiety.
Everyone's a little bit racist, but it may not be your fault, study suggests
A recent study published in the British Journal of Social Psychology suggests that racism and prejudices are often learned through cultural exposure. Participants responded faster to word pairs found together in literature, indicating a potential link between cultural stereotypes and individual gut reactions.
Link between racial discrimination and stress described in new study
Researchers found that African Americans experiencing racial discrimination had higher levels of oxidative stress, a potential pathway for cardiovascular and other age-related disease risks. The study suggests that psychological stress from racial discrimination may contribute to racial health disparities.
U of T research suggests female minorities are more affected by racism than sexism
A University of Toronto study found that female minorities experience racism more deeply than sexism, leading to personal rejection and emotional distress. The research highlights the unique impact of racism on women from diverse backgrounds.
Pigeons never forget a face
Researchers found that pigeons can recognize individual people using facial characteristics, even when wearing different clothing. This ability is likely an adaptation to their long association with humans, enabling them to distinguish between individuals.
Sleep problems may be a link between perceived racism and poor health
A study found that perceived racism is associated with an elevated risk of self-reported sleep disturbance, increased by 61% after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. This link may contribute to negative impacts on mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of addressing social environmental stressors.
Whites believe they are victims of racism more often than blacks
According to a new study from Tufts University researchers, whites now perceive anti-white racism as a bigger problem than anti-black racism. Whites agree that anti-black racism has decreased over the last 60 years, while also believing that anti-white racism has increased and is now prevalent.
Discrimination creates racial battle fatigue for African-Americans
Researchers found that African Americans experiencing racial discrimination had higher odds of developing generalized anxiety disorder, while Afro-Caribbeans did not. Non-Hispanic whites also showed an association between non-racial discrimination and GAD.
Research exposes racial discrimination against Asian American men in job market
A new study by a University of Kansas sociologist shows that U.S. employers fail to pay Asian American men as much as similarly qualified white men. First-generation Asian American men earn 29% less, while 1.25-generation men have incomes 14% lower than whites.
Motivation to end racism relies on 'yes we can' approach
A new study published in Psychological Science found that making people believe their efforts will be successful motivates them to take action against racism. Participants who felt they could make a difference took more actions and had more positive attitudes towards African Americans.
Skin color linked to social inequality in contemporary Mexico, study shows
A new study by Andrés Villarreal reveals profound social inequality by skin color in Mexico, with individuals having darker skin tones facing lower education levels, lower status jobs, poverty, and limited access to affluence. The research suggests that discrimination in the labor market may contribute to these disparities.
Few white voters upset about Obama victory despite lingering racism
A University of Florida study found that only a third of respondents were upset by racial sentiments, while two-thirds took pride in a black candidate's ability to win the nomination and presidency. The study suggests that racism is still present but not as significant a factor in politics as it might be in other areas.
Predicting relationship breakups with a word-association task
Researchers found that volunteers who associated their partner with bad things had a higher risk of separation. The new test did better at predicting breakup than traditional methods, providing insight into people's feelings about their partners.
Despite efforts, not all Latino immigrants accepted as 'white,' sociological study shows
A new sociological study reveals that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, with relatively darker-skinned individuals earning less than their lighter-skinned counterparts. The study found that some Latinos attempt to assert a white racial identity, but those with darker skin and higher levels of int...
Despite efforts, not all Latino immigrants accepted as 'white'
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, despite efforts to be accepted as 'white'. Darker-skinned Latinos earn significantly less than their lighter-skinned counterparts, with a difference of $2,500 per year.
Discrimination is associated with depression among minority children
A study of 277 minority children found that experiencing racism in daily life is associated with symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. The research suggests that discrimination has significant mental health consequences for these children, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address racial disparities.
Color-blind racial ideology linked to racism, both online and offline
A study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that white students with color-blind racial attitudes were more likely not to be offended by racially themed party images, while African-Americans were more likely to be bothered. The research suggests that color-blind racial ideology is detrimental to race relations on ...
In the face of racism, distress depends on one's coping method
A new study finds that denying or ignoring racism leads to greater psychological distress among Filipino-American adults, while active coping methods can decrease distress and increase self-esteem. The study suggests that therapists should consider individual factors when helping clients develop effective coping strategies.
African-American teens' perceptions of racial discrimination
A three-year study of over 200 African American teens aged 14-18 found that older teens who experienced more racial bias felt less positive about being Black. The study suggests bolstering youth's feelings about their racial group membership, especially positive views on being African American.
Mental health problems more common in kids who feel racial discrimination
A new study published in American Journal of Public Health found that 15% of fifth-grade students reported experiencing racial or ethnic discrimination, which may lead to symptoms of depression, ADHD, and other mental health disorders. The study highlights the need for parents, clinicians, and teachers to address this issue and provide...
Study reveals surprisingly high tolerance for racism
Researchers at Yale University found that non-black participants exhibit low emotional response when confronted with racial slurs, perpetuating racism. This phenomenon is linked to unconscious biases and a lower willingness to confront racist behavior.
Online racial discrimination linked to depression, anxiety in teens
A recent study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that adolescents experiencing online racial discrimination are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also revealed the presence of masked racism and hate groups targeting specific ethnic groups online.
Reactions to racism not as strong as we think
A new study published in Science found that people's reactions to racist comments are much more muted than anticipated. The study, led by York University researchers, revealed that students were more likely to choose a partner who made a racist comment as a workmate, despite the comment being perceived as offensive.
How media covered Katrina aftermath affects response by blacks and whites
A recent study found that white Americans' attitudes towards blacks were affected when exposed to video presentations blaming the government's response on racism or incompetence. Whites displayed strong positive attitudes towards themselves rather than negative ones towards blacks, according to the research.
Poor and uninsured patients more likely to experience racial discrimination
Uninsured Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to report experiencing racial bias in healthcare, with language impacting reporting rates. Good communication between doctors and patients protects against perceptions of racial discrimination.
Racism not an issue in firing of NBA coaches
A new study by the University of Michigan found no evidence of racial bias in the firing of NBA coaches. The research showed that African-American coaches were fired at the same rate as their white counterparts, and that technical efficiency had no difference between the two groups.
Racial discrimination has different mental health effects on Asians, study shows
A national study of Asian adults found that strong ties to ethnicity can both protect against and worsen the negative effects of racism. For those born in the US, a strong ethnic identity in their 40s can counteract discrimination's impact, while those above 50 may experience increased distress due to stress management.
Yale study shows weight bias is as prevalent as racial discrimination
A Yale study reveals weight bias is as common as racial discrimination, with women experiencing twice the risk of men, and affecting workplace and interpersonal interactions. The study documents self-reported weight discrimination and compares it to experiences of racial and gender-based discrimination among adults.
White children more positive toward blacks after learning about racism, study shows
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that teaching white children about historical racism significantly improved their positive attitudes toward African Americans. In contrast, African-American children who learned about racism did not experience changes in their racial attitudes.
Black Caribbeans do better in America than in England
A comparative study of Black Caribbeans living in America found better health, higher incomes, and less discrimination than both black Americans and English Caribbeans. The research attributed these differences to economic inequalities and migration patterns.
Racism's cognitive toll: Subtle discrimination is more taxing on the brain
Research reveals that subtle racism is more damaging than overt hostility, impairing cognitive capacity and mental effort. Black volunteers who witnessed unfair but ambiguous hiring decisions performed worse on the Stroop test, indicating they were using all their mental resources to make sense of the unfairness.
Mailman School of Public Health study examines link between racial discrimination and substance use
Researchers found African Americans experiencing racial discrimination more likely to report current tobacco use, recent alcohol consumption, and lifetime use of marijuana and cocaine. This association was also seen in Whites, suggesting that substance use may be an unhealthy coping response to perceived unfair treatment.
Psychologists reflect on 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's speech to APA Annual Meeting
In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. urged psychologists to study the impact of social injustice and advocate for social change. Today, research supports King's hypothesis, linking racism to negative health outcomes and reduced psychological wellness. Psychologists acknowledge progress in cultural awareness but emphasize the need for fu...
Disparities in infant mortality not related to race, study finds
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that low birth weights among African-American women are more closely related to racism, stress, and socioeconomic factors than genetics. The report highlights the impact of institutional and interpersonal discrimination on infant health outcomes.